Rates for independent pharmacies

[mike1821]

Hi everyone!
I live in London and I might get some bookings directly from independent pharmacies. How much do you suggest me to charge them?
Thanks!

[Tesh]

I hear its competitive so £22

[andrew paxton]

I just got the letter from Superdrug about their reduced rates from 1st January. Basic rate £21, Saturday £24, various enhancements for Sundays, Bank Holidays, Christmas Day and 1-hour rotas. I would always charge independents less than multiples, as I was an independent myself till 7 years ago, and I know that the money doesn't come easily.

[mike1821]

Hmmm, interesting points. I always thought we should charge independents more, since they are less stingy than the multiples! For example Boots pays 20 for a weekday, 22 for a Saturday, 25 for a Sunday and 25 for an emergency regardless of the day. Can anyone else post here what other multiples pay in London? It'd be very interesting to compare.

[radiohead]

Well, some independents like to keep a regular Locum. If your good they will ask you back. But finances are not as good as they used to be. So you have to find a happy medium. I get £23, from my independents. They are quite happy as they get regular MUR's. It's not always about the money though, I enjoy the autonomy, that is granted in independents.

[zakkaz]

Hmmm, interesting points. I always thought we should charge independents more, since they are less stingy than the multiples! For example Boots pays 20 for a weekday, 22 for a Saturday, 25 for a Sunday and 25 for an emergency regardless of the day. Can anyone else post here what other multiples pay in London? It'd be very interesting to compare.

I think you're being short-changed Boots pay 23 week days, 26.50 saturdays. Those rates you've said are even worse than Lloyds, who are the tighest. Time for you to renegotiate or take your expertise elsewhere, instead of risk negatively breaking the £20 and opening the floodgates for us all.

[mike1821]

Unfortunately this is how much Boots would pay all its locums in London! And when I say London I mean from Zone 1 until Zone 9! I have confirmed that with other locums as well and it's not just me.

[andrew paxton]

So much for London Weighting! Supply and demand, I suppose

[Tony Schofield]

I always thought we should charge independents more, since they are less stingy than the multiples!

You charge them MORE because they are less stingy? What sort of perverse logic is that? If I knew a locum charged me, knowingly, more than Boots etc I would never re-employ them.

For the record in the North East I understand most Locums are paid £25 per hour. I take a dim view of paying travel expenses unless it is a special arrangement, short notice or I have had to get someone who lives more than 20 miles away.

[Tony Schofield]

Oh yes, on governance grounds I insist on a lunch break but I don't pay for it.